Our Church History
St. Mark was organized November 10, 1959, under the late Dr. Alex L. Nichols, with assistance from Dr. R.S. Shorty, Dr. N.B. Russey, Rev. F.R. Williams, Rev. J.C. Knapper, Rev. Glaster, Rev. M.T. Tucker and Rev. Goerge Jones.
The church began with 17 members and 3 ordained deacons. Deacons Henry Burroughs, Grady Conway, and Ora Jefferson were the founders who have since passed on to glory. Dr. Nichols pastored this church as one of God's faithful shepherds until he was called home on June 11, 1988- a service of 28 years and 8 months. Sister Bennie Nichols White, the wife of Rev. A.L. Nichols, died in November, 1998.
Before his death God put in Dr. Nichols' heart the need to seek out a successor to his flock- for he knew his flock was unique in itself. Although during his years in the pulpit he had guided a number of young ministers, Dr. Nichols knew his successor would have to be one who possessed the same unique qualities that he had, one who had experienced the highs and the lows of this world, one who was humble but fearless because of his beliefs in God the Father.
In August of 1988, Rev. Tommie Lee Howard was called to pastor St. Mark. Under Rev. Howard, the church continued to grow both physically and spiritually. Rev. Howard was commissioned by God to leave St. Mark and work in a mission. God compelled him to preach and teach to lost souls in our community. On April 20, 1997, Rev. Howard resigned as pastor. The Rev. Columbus Osby was voted as Interim Pastor on April 28, 1997. He served as Interim Pastor until September 14, 1997. Under Rev. Osby's administration, the church was held together, continually praising and serving God. During this time of transition, the St. Mark family prayed and asked God's guidance for a shepherd.
On August 25, 1997, Rev. Donald Crossley Sr., former pastor of New Life Baptist Church, was called to become the leader of St. Mark Baptist Church. He officially began his pastorate on September 10, 1997. From September 10, 1997, to date the members of New Life Baptist Church and St. Mark Baptist Church have united as one.
St. Mark grew to a membership of ninety within 2 months of Pastor Crossley's pastorate. This unique blending exemplifies what Christ has taught us, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
God sent a message to Pastor Crossley in 2003. His message was "Rebuild God's Temple to Become Effective Bridge Builders." Pastor Crossley presented a five-year plan to construct a building to connect the community, church, and home. Because of Pastor Crossley's faith in God and the church's obedience, God blessed St. Mark with a beautiful edifice. St. Mark is truly blessed to be able to worship and praise God in His holy sanctuary and is striving to continue to do God's will and offer as many as we can an opportunity to allow God to be operative in their lives,.
The church began with 17 members and 3 ordained deacons. Deacons Henry Burroughs, Grady Conway, and Ora Jefferson were the founders who have since passed on to glory. Dr. Nichols pastored this church as one of God's faithful shepherds until he was called home on June 11, 1988- a service of 28 years and 8 months. Sister Bennie Nichols White, the wife of Rev. A.L. Nichols, died in November, 1998.
Before his death God put in Dr. Nichols' heart the need to seek out a successor to his flock- for he knew his flock was unique in itself. Although during his years in the pulpit he had guided a number of young ministers, Dr. Nichols knew his successor would have to be one who possessed the same unique qualities that he had, one who had experienced the highs and the lows of this world, one who was humble but fearless because of his beliefs in God the Father.
In August of 1988, Rev. Tommie Lee Howard was called to pastor St. Mark. Under Rev. Howard, the church continued to grow both physically and spiritually. Rev. Howard was commissioned by God to leave St. Mark and work in a mission. God compelled him to preach and teach to lost souls in our community. On April 20, 1997, Rev. Howard resigned as pastor. The Rev. Columbus Osby was voted as Interim Pastor on April 28, 1997. He served as Interim Pastor until September 14, 1997. Under Rev. Osby's administration, the church was held together, continually praising and serving God. During this time of transition, the St. Mark family prayed and asked God's guidance for a shepherd.
On August 25, 1997, Rev. Donald Crossley Sr., former pastor of New Life Baptist Church, was called to become the leader of St. Mark Baptist Church. He officially began his pastorate on September 10, 1997. From September 10, 1997, to date the members of New Life Baptist Church and St. Mark Baptist Church have united as one.
St. Mark grew to a membership of ninety within 2 months of Pastor Crossley's pastorate. This unique blending exemplifies what Christ has taught us, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
God sent a message to Pastor Crossley in 2003. His message was "Rebuild God's Temple to Become Effective Bridge Builders." Pastor Crossley presented a five-year plan to construct a building to connect the community, church, and home. Because of Pastor Crossley's faith in God and the church's obedience, God blessed St. Mark with a beautiful edifice. St. Mark is truly blessed to be able to worship and praise God in His holy sanctuary and is striving to continue to do God's will and offer as many as we can an opportunity to allow God to be operative in their lives,.
Saint Mark's Associations St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church is associated with the Southwest Missionary Baptist Association, the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Association, and the National Baptist Association. Pastor Donald R. Crossley Sr. is the Moderator for the Southwest Missionary Baptist Association and the Consolidated Missionary Baptist Association's Moderators. |